Turmoil at the Kenya-Ethiopia Border: Suspected militia attack leaves casualties

An unverified number of individuals were killed on Saturday evening in Todonyang, Turkana County, following an ambush by suspected militia from the Ethiopian Dassanech community. Reports indicate that heavily armed members of the Dassanech militia targeted Turkana fishermen who were operating near Lake Turkana close to River Omo, indiscriminately firing upon them.

As authorities work to confirm the number of casualties, preliminary reports suggest that over a dozen people may have been killed. On Sunday afternoon, the National Police Service announced that they were investigating what they referred to as a “clash between Turkana and Dassanech fishermen at Lopemukat Common Waters” along the border.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged the situation, noting, “There is a problem in the area, and some of our citizens have been harmed.” He confirmed that several Kenyans are currently unaccounted for and that efforts are underway to coordinate with the Ethiopian government and the Kenya Defence Forces to address the escalating border issue. “There should be no cause for alarm; calm has returned to the area,” he added.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo reported that the attack occurred near the Ethiopian border. He urged caution regarding the casualty figures circulating in the community, stating, “Ignore the numbers being peddled; that is not the correct position. We will share official information once we have confirmation.”

Some reports suggest that the ambush may have been a retaliatory action following allegations that Turkana bandits killed several Dassanech fishermen earlier that same day near River Omo. The events unfolding in this border region reflect the ongoing tensions and challenges surrounding cross-border relations.